The Way of Awareness: An Introduction to Vipassana Meditation
This class offers a gradual and systematic introduction to the practice of insight meditation and to the teachings of the Buddha that inform that practice. Each meeting includes instruction, practice and discussion.

Relaxing Into the Here and Now (Autumn)
Led by Michael Liebenson Grady

We will learn to relax the body and mind by cultivating an allowing and non-striving attitude in dharma practice. When we support mindfulness practice with a wise and compassionate attitude, we can discover a natural clarity of mind which brings an inner spaciousness and discernment when meeting the challenges of everyday life.
Requirements: This class is open to those who have some prior Vipassana experience.

Experienced Practitioners Practice Group: The Noble Eightfold Path
Led by Narayan Liebenson Grady

The current subject is the Noble Eightfold Path. The Buddha presented the path of liberation within this particular framework. It is a way to bring awareness to all aspects of our lives and includes wise view, wise intention, wise effort, wise mindfulness, wise concentration, wise speech, wise action and wise livelihood. We will focus on Wise Effort and slowly make our way through all eight path factors. Meetings will include meditation practice, talks and discussion. Mindful homework between meetings is fundamental to this group.
Requirements: Three years Vipassana practice (including some intensive retreat experience) and current daily practice. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend both the autumn and winter classes. If you are interested in joining, please call the office to get permission from the teacher.

Metta (Lovingkindness) (Autumn)
Led by Narayan Liebenson Grady

Metta meditation was taught by the Buddha as an antidote to fear and anger. The systematic practice of Metta is a way to cultivate a loving heart. It develops concentration and tranquility, strengthening the mind and softening the heart toward oneself and others. We will also cover the related practices of compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. This class will include theory as well as practice and is suitable for both beginning and experienced practitioners.

Learning How to Live, Learning How to Die - The Approach of Vipassana Meditation (Autumn)
Led by Larry Rosenberg

The Buddha encouraged the frequent contemplation of aging, sickness, and death. Such meditation, concerned with intimate understanding of the great matter of life and death, can help us face and master our fears. It can also help us more fully appreciate the preciousness of a life inspired and guided by Dharma practice. Each session will include meditation practice and discussion.
Requirements: This class is open to those who have been practicing Vipassana for at least one year.

The Art of Pure Observation - Reflections on the Bahiya Sutta (Autumn)
Led by Larry Rosenberg

Clear seeing is the essence of Vipassana meditation. It is such observation, uncolored by interpretation, analysis, preferences, past conditioning and other biases, that gives our mindfulness liberating power. The teaching in the Bahiya Sutta will be used to help us develop the ability to see clearly; and to learn from the insight that emerges from such awareness.
Requirements: One year Vipassana practice.

Many of us spend a large portion of our time at work. But do we actually "show up”? In this practice group, we will take a fresh look at work. What happens if we bring a more balanced, clear, open-hearted attention to this aspect of our lives? Can such awareness affect the quality of our work and at the same time contribute to liberating wisdom? We will use this investigation to explore the attitudes that arise at our jobs, and with the people with whom we work. Each session will include meditation practice, discussion, and the Buddha’s teachings on wise livelihood.

The Four Noble Truths (Winter)
Led by Larry Rosenberg

The Four Noble Truths are: (1) there is suffering; (2) there is a cause of suffering; (3) there is an end of suffering; and (4) there is a way leading out of suffering – the Eightfold Path. We will clarify our understanding of each of these truths and learn how to put them into practice in every aspect of our lives. Each session will include meditation practice and discussion.

The Bhaddekaratta Sutra - Reflections on the Immense Significance of NOW (Winter)
Led by Larry Rosenberg

In the Bhaddekaratta Sutra, the Buddha focuses on our relationship to time. He states: ”Do not cling to the past. Do not lose yourself in the future. The past no longer is. The future has not yet come. Looking deeply at life as it is in the here and now, the yogi dwells in stability and freedom.” We will draw on the wisdom in this sutra to guide our formal sitting practice as well as to develop the art of living wisely in the world. Each meeting includes meditation practice, and discussion.
Requirements: One year Vipassana practice.

Letting Go of Fear (Winter)
Led by Michael Liebenson Grady

In this practice group, we will explore various meditation practices and their application to those times when fear arises in everyday life. By developing a capacity to meet fear with inner balance and an open heart, we can discover the wisdom and inner freedom that comes from not being ruled by fear. Each meeting will include meditation practice and discussion.
Requirements: Some Vipassana experience.